Fort Lee Created a Media News Storm in May of 2012
In what could easily be characterized as a perfect example of media histeria over a botched analysis, Fort Lee, NJ, became the talk of the nation. The reporting headlined what was supposedly a decision by the police in Fort Lee to start ticketing folks for texting while walking. The press even pointed to examples of pedestrians who had been fined $85 for so doing.
When the smoke cleared, the truth was that nothing had really changed other than an emphasis. The Fort Lee Police were looking very hard at those who were jaywalking, and IF they were also texting they were more likely to get a ticket.